Rights Coalition To Sponsor Events

The Focus Is Awareness Of Crime Victims

April 20, 2004|By Vicky Agnew Staff Writer

The Broward Victim Rights Coalition will sponsor a number of events this week in recognition of National Crime Victims Rights Week.

National Crime Victims Rights Week, which runs April 18-24, is designed to raise awareness about crime victims' rights and to educate the public about services available to victims through their police departments, state attorneys' offices and other providers. This year's theme is "Victims Rights: America's Values."

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the crime victims fund established by the federal Victims of Crime Act of 1984. Since then, more than $5.5 billion has been spent on victim assistance and compensation.

Victims will be honored Wednesday at a 6:30 p.m. public reception and tribute at the Broward Sheriff's Office at 2601 W. Broward Blvd.

"It's a great time for those people whose lives have been touched by crime or violence in any way to come out and hear some inspirational words to help them put everything in perspective," said Sharon D'Eusanio, deputy director of Victim's Services for State Attorney General Charlie Christ's Office. "It can help them start a healing process where a victim can come out rejuvenated."

A resource fair is planned for 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at the 34th Avenue entrance to the Swap Shop in Fort Lauderdale. The public is invited to stop by and learn about services available to crime victims in Broward County.

"People can come for education to understand what's out there for victims before a crime occurs," said Broward sheriff's Victim Advocate Debra Burton.

Florida has received more than $249 million in federal funds for victim assistance since 1986. That money helps pay for more than 260 programs throughout the state, including sexual assault treatment centers, domestic violence shelters and state attorneys' victim advocates, according to the state Attorney General's Office.

Vicky Agnew can be reached at vagnew@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7922.